How X-rays Are Made

Discover how high-speed electrons striking metal targets create X-rays.

X-rays are produced when fast-moving electrons suddenly slow down as they hit a metal target, usually tungsten. This process happens inside an X-ray tube.

• Bremsstrahlung radiation (braking radiation): When electrons are deflected by the nucleus of an atom, they lose energy, which is released as X-ray photons.

• Characteristic radiation: When an incoming electron knocks out an inner-shell electron, another electron drops down to fill the gap, releasing energy as an X-ray photon with a specific energy value.

The resulting X-ray beam contains a range of photon energies, which can be filtered and shaped for imaging or therapy.

In radiation therapy, understanding X-ray production helps us control beam quality and energy, ensuring accurate dose delivery to the target tissue.

Making waves and measuring them too,
Sara